Group looks at future of town centres
Date published: 26 June 2009
WHAT do you think Oldham’s priorities should be? A family-friendly evening economy, a focus on education and the sciences or maybe an improved transport strategy?
Well, if you’re thinking along those lines them you’re wrong, according to consultants led by Drivers Jonas, who say that Oldham should be focusing on low carbon living and residential developments.
The view was expressed at a meeting of the Greater Manchester town centres study group and came as a surprise to senior Oldham Council officers, who believe that the key to reinventing the town lies in more focus on education and regeneration, including the Mumps area, among other things.
The consultants conducted a study into the contributions town centres are making to the region.
The views expressed are only initial findings and conclusions will be formed after more consultation and individual town centre assessments.
Once completed, the plan should help the prioritisation of employment opportunities and the creation of a Greater Manchester town centres prospectus for inward development.
An organisation which works with the architectural design company behind the Pompidou Centre in Paris is set to be involved in the creation of Oldham’s new lads’ and girls’ club.
The Sorrell Foundation, a charitable body set up to inspire creativity in young people and improve their lives through good design, works with the Richard Rogers partnership, the group behind the famous French building.
The foundation has offered to lend architectural support and help youth engagement in the development on the site of the Marjory Lees Health Centre in Egerton Street.
Funding for the £5 million centre has been given principal approval following a bid to the Government’s My Place programme. It will feature a multi-use games park, sports hall and spaces for art, music and dance.
